Laws, Limits and Penalties
Offense | Penalty | Incarceration | Max. Fine |
Possession | |||
Any amount (first offense) | felony | 2 - 5 years | $ 5,000 |
Any amount (subsequent offense) | felony | 4 - 10 years | $ 5,000 |
Distribution | |||
Any amount (first offense) | felony | 5 - 20 years | $ 20,000 |
Any amount (subsequent offense) | felony | 10 - 40 years | $ 30,000 |
Involving a minor (first offense) | felony | 10 - 48 years | $ 40,000 |
Involving a minor (subsequent offense) | felony | 20 - 96 years | $ 80,000 |
Includes possession with intent to distribute. | |||
Hash & Concentrates | |||
Penalties for hashish are the same as for marijuana. Please see the marijuana penalties section for further details. | |||
Paraphernalia | |||
Possession of paraphernalia | felony | 2 - 5 years | $ 5,000 |
Distribution or possession with intent to distribute paraphernalia | felony | 2 - 5 years | $ 50,000 |
Civil Asset Forfeiture | |||
Vehicles used to facilitate the sale or possession of marijuana are subject to forfeiture. |
Details
Conditional Release
The state allows conditional release or alternative or diversion sentencing for people facing their first prosecutions. Usually, conditional release lets a person opt for probation rather than trial. After successfully completing probation, the individual's criminal record does not reflect the charge.
Medical Marijuana
This state has medical marijuana laws enacted. Modern research suggests that cannabis is a valuable aid in the treatment of a wide range of clinical applications. These include pain relief, nausea, spasticity, glaucoma, and movement disorders. Marijuana is also a powerful appetite stimulant and emerging research suggests that marijuana's medicinal properties may protect the body against some types of malignant tumors, and are neuroprotective. For more information see: Medical Use.